http://kathytemean.wordpress.com/ – Kathy Temean, coordinator of the NJ-SCBWI, provides a wealth of information to published and aspiring authors with a special focus on events happening in tri-state area.

www.writingclasses.com – Gotham Writer’s Workshop. They hold classes both in NYC and ONLINE. This is key – you don’t need to be here to take advantage of what they have to offer.

www.mediabistro.com – Media Bistro is an online resource for media professionals. They offer writing courses for all types of mediums across the country and online. What’s great about their offerings is that it includes items other than “just” writing. For example, they include writing a proposal, starting a website, blogging, editing, getting over writer’s block, etc. As you know, writing the book is not the only step to getting published. These other offerings can fill in.

http://murphywriting.com. Peter Murphy holds a series of writing seminars and retreats here in the New Jersey area and “across the pond”. I am told by several writers who attended one of his retreats, he changed their lives.

The following are some great books on writing:

On Writing, A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King

Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maass

The Creative Habit: Learn It & Use It For Life by Twyla Tharp

Warriner’s English Grammar and Composition (a must have)

Second Sight: An Editor’s Talks on Writing, Revising, and Publishing Books for Children and Young Adults by Cheryl Klein

How to Write a Children’s Book and Get It Published by Barbara Seuling

The Writer’s Guide for Crafting Stories for Children by Nancy Lamb

Bird by Bird: Some Instruction on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott

How To Write & Sell Your First Novel by Oscar Collier with Frances Spatz Leighton

The Writer’s Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers by Christopher Vogler